Funeral repatriation route guide
Repatriation from New Zealand to Japan
For families bringing someone home to Japan. Send the details any time and we will take it from there.
Quick answer
Repatriation from New Zealand to Japan: what to expect
New Zealand and Japan share close bilateral ties through the Japan-New Zealand Economic Partnership Agreement and growing people-to-people connections. New Zealanders in Japan include teachers, students, and professionals, and a small community of long-term residents. The Japanese Embassy in Wellington handles consular matters in New Zealand. English-language New Zealand death certificates require certified Japanese translation for the municipal office (shiyakusho) in Japan. (Japanese Ministry of Foreign Affairs, 2025.)
- Key document: death certificate (in English)
- Documentation takes 5-10 days. Appoint a specialist on day one.
- Death must be registered with Births, Deaths and Marriages New Zealand (BDM) promptly.
- Japan Embassy in Wellington can advise on documentation. They cannot fund repatriation.
Step by step
Timeline: New Zealand to Japan
Immediate steps after death
Day of death. Contact the embassy or consulate of the person's own country (citizens of Japan: +81 3 3580 3311).
Family or travel insurer
Death registered. Death certificate obtained.
Death must be registered with Births, Deaths and Marriages New Zealand (BDM). Sudden, unexpected, or violent deaths (coroner takes jurisdiction) may delay this step.
Local funeral director and registry
Japan Embassy in Wellington notified
Simultaneous with Step 1. Embassy provides a list of local funeral directors.
Family or repatriation specialist
Embalming and preparation.
After body released by authorities.
Licensed local funeral director
All export documentation and permits obtained.
Allow 5-10 days. Cannot begin until death certificate issued.
Local funeral director and authorities
Air cargo to Japan
Once all documentation complete.
Repatriation specialist and airline cargo
Japan funeral director takes custody. Receiving funeral director coordinates with local authorities.
Within 24 hours of arrival.
Receiving funeral director
The process
What happens after a death in New Zealand
Call 111 for emergency services. A registered medical practitioner certifies the death. The death is registered with Births, Deaths and Marriages New Zealand (BDM). The coroner takes jurisdiction for sudden, unexpected, or violent deaths.
Common questions
FAQs: repatriation from New Zealand to Japan
In a straightforward case, repatriation from New Zealand to Japan takes 7-14 days. The fastest cases complete in 5-7 days. Complex cases can take 3-6 weeks or longer.
Death must be registered with Births, Deaths and Marriages New Zealand (BDM) promptly. Sudden, unexpected, or violent deaths (coroner takes jurisdiction) may add time before the body can be released.
The core documents are: death certificate with certified translation where required, embalming certificate, export permit, freedom from infection certificate, and passport of the deceased. Your repatriation coordinator handles obtaining these on your behalf.
The Japan Embassy in Wellington can assist with document authentication and advise on repatriation requirements. They cannot pay for or arrange repatriation. Contact the Japan Embassy in Wellington as soon as possible after the death.
Sudden, unexpected, or violent deaths (coroner takes jurisdiction) may trigger a post-mortem examination. This adds time: the body cannot be released until the authorities authorise it.
The Japanese funeral director takes custody at Tokyo Narita (NRT) or Kansai (KIX) cargo terminal. The shibo todoke must be submitted to the local municipal office within seven days. A burial permit is required. Japan has near-universal cremation; remains are presented as kotsuage after the ceremony. All foreign documents require certified Japanese translation. The receiving funeral director coordinates with local authorities.
Cremation in New Zealand is widely available. You will need the local death certificate, cremation certificate, and relevant export documentation. Your repatriation specialist can advise on the current position.
In Japan
When the body arrives in Japan
The Japanese funeral director (sogisha) takes custody at Tokyo Narita (NRT), Tokyo Haneda (HND), or Kansai (KIX) cargo terminal. The shibo todoke (death notification) must be submitted to the local municipal office (shiyakusho or kuyakusho) within seven days of arrival. A burial permit is required before final disposition. Japan has near-universal cremation; the remains (kotsuage) are presented to the family after cremation. All foreign documents not in Japanese require certified Japanese translation. (Japanese Ministry of Foreign Affairs, 2025.)
Consular support
Japanese Embassy in Wellington can advise on documentation requirements for repatriation to Japan. Japanese Ministry of Foreign Affairs emergency line: +81 3 3580 3311 (24 hours). The Japanese Embassy cannot pay for or arrange repatriation.
Related guides
More repatriation guidance
We are here to help. Send us the details, any time
If your loved one has died in New Zealand, please do not face this alone. Send us the details and we will explain what happens next and prepare a quote for bringing them home to Japan.
Reviewed by the Repatriate Service editorial team. Information sourced from official government and embassy guidance and professional repatriation experience. Facts last checked September 2026; page updated .
Sources: Official guidance on a death in New Zealand (gov.uk) · New Zealand repatriation guide · Frequently asked questions